Harlow Farm

Paul Harlow can tick off the important dates on the Harlow Farm timeline in seconds: "My grandfather bought the farm in 1917, in 1965 we sold the cows to focus on vegetables, in 1974, I took over the farm, in 1976, we started experimenting with organic, and by 1983 the entire farm was organic." Transitioning Harlow Farm to organic production was Paul's response to changes that he saw on the farm. "In terms of soil condition, I didn't see worms like I used to when I was a kid [going fishing].  We were using weed killer but there were tough ones that were starting to take over," explains Paul.  Things didn't change overnight but slowly the benefits became evident: "It took quite a few years to build the soil back but [the change] was clearly reflected in the quality of the product."

Together with his son Evan, and brother Dan who runs a farm stand, and about 30 additional workers over the growing season, Paul manages over 300 acres of lettuce, kale, collards, carrots, beets, parsnips, rutabaga, summer squash, zucchini, winter squash, pumpkins, celeriac, asparagus, and blueberries in Westminster, Vermont - the state's oldest town. About 90% of the produce is sold through wholesale markets.  The rest is sold locally from their roadside stand. 

With three generations of experience to learn from, Paul Harlow takes the long view on farming.  His philosophy?  "Keep things simple." The voice of experience continues: "Over the years, I've gotten used to the ups and downs. I figure over 10 years, you have 2 good, 2 bad and 6 average years - it all evens out." With that in mind, the word for this season is "so far so good."